Rip Curl Girls Go Surfing Day: Empowering Indonesian Women Through Surfing in Lombok
On May 2-3, 2025, Rip Curl hosted the Rip Curl Girls Go Surfing Day in Lombok, supported by Sikara Lombok Hotel in collaboration with OceanFolx.
Held at Selong Belanak Beach and Tanjung Aan Beach, the event brought together almost 100 participants, ranging from beginners to advanced surfers. The atmosphere was filled with excitement as women of all skill levels cheered and supported each other, creating a powerful sense of community in the water.
“Rip Curl Girls Go Surfing Day is more than just an event; it’s a platform to empower women of all backgrounds to embrace surfing, raise awareness about ocean safety, and strengthen community bonds. Together with OceanFolx, we share a mission to make surfing accessible, safe, and inclusive while creating a positive impact through community engagement," said Harrison Mann, Head of Product and Marketing of Rip Curl Indonesia.
Why Lombok?
Lombok was chosen for its pristine beaches, vibrant surf culture, and growing community of local female surfers. This location offers an opportunity to connect with women who are breaking societal norms and embracing water sports. By hosting the event in Lombok, Rip Curl aims to inspire more women to take up surfing and overcome barriers to participation in the sport.
About the Initiative
The Rip Curl Girls Go Surfing Day program has been a cornerstone of Rip Curl’s women’s initiatives for over ten years, with successful executions in Bali and other regions of Indonesia. This year event focuses on:
- Promoting Surf Awareness: Educating women from all backgrounds about surfing and ocean safety.
- Fundraising for OceanFolx: Supporting the non-profit organization for women in Lombok
- Raising Ocean Safety Awareness: Highlighting essential practices to ensure confidence and safety in the water.
- Driving Community Engagement: Building partnerships with like-minded organizations such as OceanFolx, Tribe Skate Park, Lombok Surfer Girls, Women10k, Longboard Girls Crew Indonesia, and Sana Studio.
About OceanFolx
OceanFolx is a nonprofit developed in partnership with local Lombok women. OceanFolx empowers coastal communities by providing ocean safety education, swimming, and surfing skills, with a focus on supporting all those who identify as women. Their programs aim to reduce drowning risks, promote environmental stewardship, and foster gender equality, helping participants build confidence, leadership skills, and a deeper connection to the ocean.
“Not only are our programs providing life-saving swimming skills, we are also fostering a sense of environmental stewardship. When local women spend more time in and around the ocean, they develop a more positive relationship with their local environment, and promote land and ocean stewardship in their local communities ”said Maddy Bolt, Founder of OceanFolx.
Challenges Local Girls Face in Surfing
In Indonesia, cultural stigmas often discourage women from engaging in surfing. Traditional beliefs suggest that women should stay at home, care for their families, and cover their skin. There’s also a lingering concern about getting darker skin from sun exposure. Despite these societal pressures, the event highlighted how initiatives like Rip Curl Girls Go Surfing Day would help break these barriers.
Michelle, a participant from OceanFolx student, shared her story: “It has been so hard to find local girls in the water. Two years ago, I was a student of OceanFolx surf lessons, and this year, I am capable of being the instructor! I am so happy!”
Community Impact Through Fundraising
On May 3rd, Rip Curl hosted a Movie Night and Raffle Fundraiser for OceanFolx, supported by Tribe Skate Park Lombok. The event raised Rp 44,850,000, which will be used to help OceanFolx teach women in Lombok how to swim, surf, and feel safe and comfortable in the water.
“This is my first time surfing with a group of girls only in the water. I feel so confident and comfortable! They all cheer and support each other. I am so proud to be part of this event and hope more Indonesian women out there feel encouraged to enjoy the water!” said Ayu Utami, a participant from Jakarta.
Through collaboration with communities, sponsors, and organizations, Rip Curl Girls Go Surfing Day in Lombok continues to empower women to overcome challenges and embrace the joy and freedom of surfing.
Thank you to our sponsors and partners who have made this event meaningful and full of success.
Supporting Sponsor: Sikara Lombok Hotel
Sponsors: Tribe Park Lombok, Sambazon, Vandal Lombok, La Cabana
Partners: OceanFolx, Rip Curl School of Surf, Women10k, Sana Studio, Lombok Surfer Girls
